Kitchen confidential: Mealtime secrets from top chef parents

by
Sarah Henry

Sneak in new foods

Mollie invites her kids to help

Mollie: Nothing inspires vegetable appreciation more than a yummy dip, full of fresh herbs or creamy textures — like a homemade version of ranch dressing that's healthy and takes five minutes to make. Children love to scoop up dips with crunchy sugar snap peas, cucumber spears, sweet bell pepper pieces, and baby carrots. They literally dig in. Editor's Note: See Mollie's Ranch Dressing recipe and for her Hip Bean Dip.

Laura: There's something about making the ingredients in a pureed soup — all foamy and smooth — that appeals to kids. They often go for something they might not ordinarily try. Try making butternut squash soup with a hint of maple syrup or French green lentils with bacon or roasted parsnip soup, which is sweet on its own. Editor's Note: For great soup ideas, check out Dishes, our recipe database. Choose "soups" on the Course pulldown menu.

Rick: If you're introducing something new, offer just a taste, mix it in with something familiar your child likes, and play around with the flavors until the dish is nicely balanced — this is the key to all good cooking. Let's face it, many vegetables, on their own, have a bitter taste. So you've got to balance out those flavors with something creamy or sweet. There's a reason lots of kids like broccoli with cheese. Editor's Note: Other ways to make veggies more appealing to your child.

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